Lee County, FL Accessory Structures: Shed & Carport Rules (2026)
Shed permit rules in Lee County, FL, also referred to as storage shed, backyard shed, or accessory building regulations, set size limits, setbacks, and when a building permit is required.
Key Facts
- Rear setback
- 5 feet minimum
- Side setback
- District setback or 10 feet, lesser
- Sequencing
- Principal building first, limited exceptions
- Permit exemptions
- Only car covers and trellises
- RV park shed
- 120 sq ft, 10 feet tall
Summary
In unincorporated Lee County a residential shed must sit at least five feet from the rear property line, and no closer to a side line than the district’s required side setback or ten feet, whichever is less.
Except as provided in Sections 34-1175 and 34-1176, all accessory residential buildings and structures must be set back a minimum of five feet from any rear property line and may not be closer to a side property line than the minimum required side setback for the district in which the property is located, or ten feet, whichever is less.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 7 | Land Development Code: Supplement 3 Update 3).
Full Breakdown
Section 34-1174(d)(2) of the Land Development Code sets the numbers: accessory residential buildings and structures must be set back a minimum of five feet from any rear property line, and may not be closer to a side property line than the minimum required side setback for the district, or ten feet, whichever is less. Section 34-1173 adds two conditions, everything must comply with applicable development regulations and the Building Codes, and no accessory structure may be commenced, erected, placed or moved onto a lot before the principal building, apart from listed exceptions. A shed also may not sit inside an easement that prohibits it.
Violations & Fines
Lee County enforces setback and permit breaches under the Land Development Code; expect an order to relocate, permit or remove a shed that sits too close to a line or was built without a permit.
Frequently Asked Questions
How close to my fence can a shed be in Lee County?
Can I put a shed on a vacant lot?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Lee County
How Lee County compares: Shed Permit Requirements by City·Florida rules heatmap·Compare Lee County to another location·View the Florida accessory structures overview
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